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Property/DIY

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Which kitchen?

32 replies

Pie56 · 13/10/2023 07:44

A well worn debate I’m sure, but we’re having a new kitchen, our builder is fitting, he doesn’t recommend any particular company but has mentioned Howdens obvs! There is a showroom near us but it’s small and they seem a bit unhelpful as it’s all so trade focused. I don’t feel comfortable with their lack of transparency over pricing. Magnet have offers on atm, but they always seem to have some sale or other. Wren I’m wary of as they seem pushy and with terrible after sales reviews. I’m seeing DIY mentioned a lot here, hadn’t heard of them until recently. We are looking for quality of course, but not solid wood as I don’t think it’s worth the cost. Smallish kitchen, shaker style, pale grey with white granite tops. Nothing fancy just timeless. Would be really grateful for recent customer experiences/recommendations. We are near Guildford. Budget around 10k.

OP posts:
Pie56 · 14/10/2023 22:55

So many votes for DIY! They are clearly doing something (a lot) right. Thanks all, great to get so much feedback.

OP posts:
Stampcee · 15/10/2023 08:01

DIY Kitchens are great but in the end I went for Better Kitchens based in Weston-super-mare. Same type of outfit and price as DIY but slightly better quality and very personalised help from a family run business. I did everything by phone and online. After 4 years my kitchen still looks and feels brand new. Well worth it!

PerspiringElizabeth · 15/10/2023 08:05

We’re going Benchmarx (opposite Wren in Guildford).
Magnet were awful and the most expensive, Wren were really horrendous even though the cheapest.
DIY Kitchens are helpful but builder not keen. Friend has one and it’s gorgeous.
A few friends have IKEA and they look fine but again wasn’t pleased with the saleswoman and builder not keen.
Liked Howdens but very comparable with Benchmarx and prefer Benchmarx’s customer care.

I mean ideally it’s Shere kitchens or Chiddingfold kitchens isn’t it 😂 in my dreams!

Minster2012 · 16/10/2023 19:26

Howdens will usually pricematch DIY kitchens

I've used diy kitchens for our old utility & found a local company that were better & cheaper than howdens for current

But very good for price matching & my parents have a howdens kitchen & love it

tigerlily9 · 27/07/2025 17:26

Pie56 · 14/10/2023 22:55

So many votes for DIY! They are clearly doing something (a lot) right. Thanks all, great to get so much feedback.

Hi Can I ask what you decided and went with in the end and how it went. Thanks

Pie56 · 02/08/2025 16:40

We went with Howdens. It’s been fine so far. Wouldn’t really know what to compare it with though. We opted for a modern shaker style in pebble. The appliances which we got from Howdens aren’t great though. Don’t recommend doing that. Very noisy extractor fan and mediocre fridge freezer.

OP posts:
Bluebellwood129 · 02/08/2025 17:02

KCandtheSunlightBand · 14/10/2023 21:21

I’d be very careful about using grey. My brother had a new light grey kitchen put in about 3 years ago and TBH it looks very dated. For such a big ticket item I would go more neutral.

I am looking at buying a new house and anything with grey carpet floors etc I can’t help thinking of the cost of stripping the grey out and replacing.

Very respray to respray if it's a good quality kitchen.

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